Name the friction
Purchasing lives in one spreadsheet, stock in another system, and sales reports need manual assembly. “Let’s get an ERP” sounds like a plan, but it names a product category rather than the operational problem.
Map the work end to end
Follow purchasing, inventory, sales, payment, and reporting. Mark where information is entered twice, approvals wait, or managers cannot see what they need.
Compare the smallest useful fix
A full ERP may fit a business with connected needs across departments. A POS and inventory tool, an integration, or one focused workflow may solve a narrower problem with less change to manage.
Decide with operating evidence
List the requirements, users, systems, migration needs, and ongoing owner before comparing products. Without that detail, estimates, timelines, and return-on-investment claims remain guesses.